Choosing a mortgage lender is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the home buying process — yet most people spend more time researching a refrigerator than they do selecting who will handle the largest financial transaction of their lives. Here’s how to shop lenders the right way, including questions that will quickly reveal whether you’re talking to a true mortgage professional. [Read more…]
Your Mortgage and Home Equity should be part of your Financial Planning
January 9, 2024 by 2 Comments
A recent MarketWatch article featured a reader question that probably sounds familiar to a lot of people approaching retirement. Here’s the situation as the reader described it:
“I’m 57, single, have $300,000 in a 401(k) and about $12,000 in savings in different accounts. I owe $93,000 on a house and have $20,000 in credit card debt. I make about $100,000 per year. Should I consolidate my savings? Should I pay off my credit card with the savings and then rebuild my account? I am working on paying off the credit card but I have terrible spending habits. I really don’t want to work until I’m 67. What advice do you have? Should I hire a financial planner to help me?”
— MarketWatch reader question
True Horror Story: Trapped by the 3% Mortgage Rate
October 31, 2023 by Leave a Comment
If you’re a homeowner wanting to buy your next home, you might be feeling reluctance to trade your existing interest rate for a current mortgage rate. It’s easy to understand when mortgage rates are double from what they were a few years ago. Historically speaking, mortgage rates are actually closer to what would be considered more of an average range than the Fed manipulated rates of years past.
I may have some good news for you. No, it’s not a trick…this can actually be a treat! [Read more…]
I’m back from vacation!
October 21, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Late Thursday night, I returned home from a three week vacation in Italy visiting my son and daughter-in-law, who are currently living in Europe. This is the longest vacation away from my wonderful hubby and work that I have ever done. My fantastic sister-in-law Marilyn joined me on this adventure to celebrate her retirement from Mortgage Master Service Corporation. [Read more…]
